January 2019 – The John H Watson Society

21 January, 201920 January, 2019

What’s Wrong with a Deerstalker Bike Helmet?

“Chips” writes to share a tidbit from an article written by Russ Bengtson for Complex (in 2013, but it was shared on the Hounds of the Internet recently).

In 11 Bike Helmets You Should Never, Ever Wear, Bengtson includes:

The Sherlock Holmes
You know why Sherlock Holmes could get away with wearing a deerstalker cap? Because it was the 1800s, he did cocaine, and he was A FICTIONAL CHARACTER.

“Chips” says:
I disagree with this selection. Strongly. I have worn a Sherlock Holmes cap while riding my bike and now while riding in my wheelchair and my mobility scooter every day. And I have no ill effects. Folks tell me how dashing I look.

“Selena” adds: I would quite like a deerstalker bike helmet. I might have to get one if I ever ride a bike again. To you cyclists out there, please do wear a helmet, no matter what style! Though if you happen to wear a deerstalker helmet, we’d love to see photos.

14 January, 201914 January, 2019

BSI Honours 2019

A hearty congratulations to the newest investitured members of the Bakers Street Irregulars, including two of our current members:

Michele Lopez (JHWS “Reggie”) – “Attenta, Pericolo”
Monica Schmidt (JHWS “Margaux”) – “Julia Stoner”

9 January, 20199 January, 2019

New York, New York!

As you read this, I am on my way across the country to take part in the Birthday Weekend Festivities in New York City. I went last year, and had great fun meeting in person with Sherlockians from all over.

There may be a delay in responses to orders in the Shop while I am away from home.

If you’re also headed to New York, I hope to see you there!

5 January, 201922 January, 2023

Always 1895

“Chips” writes: The 1895 and 2019 calendars are the same. This image comes courtesy of my Brother in Shaw, Jim Hawkins.

2 January, 20192 January, 2019

Goals

Cover of 1930 edition of The Complete Sherlock Holmes

At the end of 2017, I decided that I would read my copy of the 1930 Doubleday edition of The Complete Sherlock Holmes, cover to cover, during 2018. I started on January 1st with the preface by Christopher Morley, and I finished “The Retired Colourman” in the evening of December 31st.

I wrote out a schedule for the year that broke the reading down more or less evenly over 52 weeks, though I ended up reading it in bigger chunks less regularly. It was an interesting experience, immersing myself in the Canon in approximate publication order, having read some stories many times before, and others only once or twice.

This year, I’m going to explore the Canon from a different angle, and read through my Baring-Gould annotated edition.

Do you have any Sherlockian goals for 2019?